Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.
The October 8, 2026 archive collects 7 Billboard Hot 100 questions drawn from 1980–1988. The questions lean into New Wave and Producers. Names such as Michael McDonald, Exposé, and Laid Back appear among the featured acts. The difficulty breaks down into 3 moderate, 3 hard, and 1 expert questions. Stylistically it moves between R&B, soul, and funk. The chart years stretch from 1980 to 1988. Every entry is tied to a documented Billboard chart run rather than fan lore. The answers and explanations are included, so it reads as well as it plays.
This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.
Who produced Michael McDonald's smooth 1982 single "I Keep Forgettin'"?
The production duo Ted Templeman and Lenny Waronker crafted the polished West Coast sound of Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin'" in 1982.
Smokey Robinson's hit 'Cruisin'' was released on which Motown imprint?
'Cruisin'' was released under Tamla, the Motown subsidiary label that handled many of the label's soul and R&B acts.
The 1987 Herb Alpert track "Diamonds" features lead vocals by Janet Jackson and backing vocals by which frequent Jackson collaborator and former member of The Time?
Jellybean Johnson, a former member of The Time, provided backing vocals on Herb Alpert's "Diamonds," complementing Janet Jackson's lead vocals.
Which label is attached to The Cover Girls on the dance-pop production of "Because Of You," involving R. Clivilles and Little Lou Vega?
The Cover Girls’ "Because Of You" was released on Fever Records, a significant label in late 80s dance-pop.
Exposé’s 1987 hit "Point of No Return" was written and produced by Lewis Martinee, who utilized which early sampling sequencer to arrange the track’s signature Latin Freestyle sound?
Lewis Martinee used the E-mu Emulator II sampling keyboard to craft the layered, Latin freestyle-inspired sounds that define "Point of No Return."
Laid Back, the duo behind the 1984 hit 'White Horse,' hailed from which country?
Laid Back is a Danish electronic duo, known internationally for 'White Horse' and their unique synth-funk sound.
Which artist is credited with the 1988 pop-R&B hit "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car," known for its polished producer-writer framework?
"Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" is associated with Billy Ocean, pairing his pop-R&B style with a refined producer-writer approach.